The Ajay Bose Hall of Distinction

Celebrating a Legacy of Discovery

Honoring the scientists, educators and leaders whose work has shaped chemistry and chemical biology at Stevens and made an impact around the world.

Located in McLean Hall, the Ajay Bose Hall of Distinction honors the scientists, educators and leaders whose work has extended the impact of chemistry and chemical biology far beyond the Stevens campus.

Established in 2026, the Hall begins with Professor Ajay Kumar Bose and three distinguished Stevens alumni whose careers have advanced scientific discovery, pharmaceutical research and the development of new medicines.

Their achievements reflect the enduring influence of a Stevens education and the power of mentorship to shape generations of scientists and innovators.

Established 2026 · Inaugural honorees inducted September 2026

The Inaugural Honorees

Joining Professor Ajay Kumar Bose as an inaugural honoree are three distinguished Stevens alumni whose careers have advanced scientific discovery, pharmaceutical research and the development of new medicines:

Dr. Birendra N. Pramanik ’77

Distinguished Fellow, Merck Research Laboratories, Retired

Advancing analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical discovery

Birendra N. Pramanik retired in 2010 as a Distinguished Fellow at Merck Research Laboratories, following a distinguished 30-year career in pharmaceutical research that began at Schering-Plough in 1980, prior to its merger with Merck & Co.

At Schering-Plough, Pramanik became a leading authority in mass spectrometry and structural analysis and helped establish state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and NMR facilities. Renowned for his expertise in the interpretation of mass spectra, he solved complex analytical problems that had long resisted resolution.

His contributions supported the discovery and development of numerous novel therapeutics, including the anti-allergy medicines Claritin and Clarinex; the cholesterol-lowering drugs Zetia and Vytorin; the antifungal Noxafil; the antiviral and anticancer agent Interferon alfa-2b; steroid-based anti-inflammatory products; and the immunotherapeutic Keytruda. Pramanik is an author or co-author of more than 140 publications and has presented over 150 talks at national and international meetings. He has also taught special courses at institutions including Columbia University and Stevens Institute of Technology.

His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the American Chemical Society North Jersey Mass Spectrometry Section Regional Award in 2000, two President’s Awards at the company in 1983 and 1987, the Richardson-Vicks Chairman’s Award in 1980, and a Chinese Chemical Society Award in 2005–2006.

A dedicated philanthropist, Pramanik established endowed scholarship funds at Stevens Institute of Technology in memory of his mentor, Professor Ajay Kumar Bose, and Margaret Logan Bose. He also introduced scholarships at Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School in honor of his parents.

Pramanik earned an M.Sc. in Chemistry in 1965 from Rajshahi University, now in Bangladesh. He completed his graduate studies at Stevens Institute of Technology under the mentorship of Professor Ajay K. Bose, earning an M.S. in 1973 and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1977.

Pramanik attributes much of his professional success to the rigorous research training and professional values he acquired while working under Professor Ajay K. Bose at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Inaugural honoree · September 3, 2026

“Quality is never a coincidence. It is the deliberate outcome of clear intention, disciplined effort, intelligent strategy, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.”

Dr. Arvind Mathur ’92

Former Vice President, Synthesis & Enabling Technologies, Bristol Myers Squibb

Accelerating the discovery and development of new medicines

Arvind Mathur retired as Vice President of Synthesis & Enabling Technologies in the Small Molecule Drug Discovery division at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) after a 35-year career with the company. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, Mathur played a pivotal role in advancing BMS’s mission to discover and develop innovative medicines that transform patients’ lives.

During his tenure at BMS, Mathur led strategic initiatives in synthetic chemistry and enabling technologies focused on accelerating the drug discovery process. He oversaw multidisciplinary teams dedicated to small-molecule therapeutics and was instrumental in building and maintaining a robust pipeline of treatments for serious diseases. His leadership extended across teams in Medicinal Chemistry, Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry.

One of Mathur’s significant achievements was the establishment of the Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research Center (BBRC) in Bangalore, India. Under his direction, the research center grew to employ more than 1,300 research scientists, covering the spectrum from discovery through the full development of innovative medicines.

His efforts supported BMS’s global reputation as a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, particularly in the fields of oncology, immunology and cardiovascular disease. Mathur is recognized as a co-author of nearly 215 publications and holds 20 patents, underscoring his significant contributions to the scientific community.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mathur has contributed to his local community as a member of the Bridgewater–Raritan Board of Education. In this role, he was instrumental in reestablishing the STEM program and expanding Advanced Placement (AP) offerings within the school district. He also played a key role in managing the district’s extensive infrastructure and overseeing the school budget.

Mathur holds both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology, reflecting his strong academic foundation in the field.

Inaugural honoree · September 3, 2026

“I woke up every morning eager to go to work so that I can accelerate the time needed to deliver a drug ‘A day early’ to save a life.”

Dr. Jeffrey J. Hale ’85

Associate Vice President, Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories, Retired

From Stevens chemistry to pharmaceutical discovery

Jeffrey J. Hale, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University and has more than 40 years of experience in medicinal chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry. His career includes a distinguished 36-year tenure at Merck Research Laboratories, where he retired in 2021 as Associate Vice President of Discovery Chemistry. At Merck, Hale led small-molecule discovery and development programs targeting cardiometabolic and immunoregulatory disorders. He also contributed to medicinal chemistry efforts across Merck’s infectious diseases, neuroscience and oncology programs.

Hale’s work has resulted in more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and 43 issued U.S. patents. In 2005, he received the Society of Chemical Industry’s Gordon E. Moore Medal for his contributions leading to the discovery and commercialization of the NK1 receptor antagonist Emend®.

Hale earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1985 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Rutgers University in 1992.

Inaugural honoree · September 3, 2026

“While you can’t manufacture luck, all your education, training, persistence, dedication and hard work prepares you to recognize the ‘unexpected’ when it comes along.”